Louise Silverman, an avid knitter, learned to knit at the age of five from her late mother Adelaide Gifford. 

Louise enjoyed knitting so much that she made monogrammed sweaters for her closest friends as graduation gifts.  With two children in grade school, Louise decided to open her own yarn store and in 1985 she opened Sakonnet Purls in Tiverton, Rhode Island.

Spending many years working with knitters of all levels, Louise discovered that many patterns are intimidating for knitters due to the complex wording.  As a result, in 1994 she began creating her own “Design by Louise” line of patterns. Her Friendly Patterns for the Average Knitter includes 57 designs for adults and children. 

When asked how she comes up with her ideas, her response always is, “when I touch a yarn I like, it just comes to me.”  Her store, an 1850’s farmhouse filled to the brim with luxurious yarns has been her catalyst for creation over the years.

Louise resides in Little Compton, Rhode Island with her loving husband Michael, their Himalayan cat Goblin, and their Cocker Spaniel, Sam. 

Design by Louise patterns are created with a true passion for yarn and style, with a simplicity that knitters of all levels can enjoy. We hope you take pleasure in the collection as much as others have throughout the years.